MCS contributes to conservation of Maldives reefs
Ever wanted to learn how a manta ray feeds?
Ever wanted to know why a manta ray swims a loop the loop?
Ever wondered about what coral reefs are?
Ever wanted to contribute to reef conservation?
Well now you can find out all these things in the Maldives. Maldives Scuba Tours (http://www.scubascuba.com/) has been operating live-aboard dive trips in collaboration with MCS scientists for 10 years, which combine diving with the denizens of the deep with coral reef natural history talks, participation in coral reef surveys, recording manta ray behaviour and photographic identification of whale sharks.
The facilities aboard the MV Sea Spirit or MV Sea Queen allows a fantastic opportunity to read up about coral reef creatures from many of the available colourful ID guides, and use the on board TV to show videos and slide presentations of local coral reefs. Divers are offered informative pre-dive briefs from the expert local guides on board the vessels, and given talks on the evolution of the Maldives. The trips will encompass the normal dive programme of 3 dives a day and the route will reflect the season and the top dive sites. Encounters with whalesharks and mantas can be expected.
Manta surveys
During the trip we hope to carry out a survey of a known manta cleaning station and conduct a number of dives between 7am and 5:30pm. During this period divers will be actively involved in counting and photographing the manta rays. This data is invaluable and is necessary to establish seasonal migration patterns and, more importantly, the population numbers.
Rasdhoo Reef Survey
During the trip we will visit this fantastic reef where the coral cover reaches over 50%, and the diversity of spectacular reef fish will be counted by divers. This is an ongoing project and the data will be a direct comparison on the health of the reef from the last survey in January 2006 using Reef Check methods (http://www.reefcheck.org/). Its not all work! The site is also known for scalloped hammerheads in the deeper waters, eagle rays above, reef sharks and huge humphead wrasse. There’s plenty of time and opportunity to both learn how to record these creatures and carry out fun dives at the same time.
The 12 day trip aboard the MV Sea Queen will be lead by Dr Jean-Luc Solandt of the Marine Conservation Society. His objective will be to teach basic fish and coral ID skills, a background of what constitutes a healthy reef, what makes for an unhealthy reef, the ins and outs of cleaning stations and symbiotic relationships between animals and flora. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about what you see when you go underwater.
Upcoming trip dates
6th to 19th January 2007 aboard MV Sea Queen and the cost is £2,095 + taxes (approx £125) for 12 day trip
28th July to 10th August 2007 aboard MV Sea Spirit and the cost is £2,095 + taxes (approx £125) for 12 day trip
Your benefits
By joining a trip with MST and MCS, £50 from your trip fee will automatically go to MCS, you will receive one years free membership of MCS, and receive complementary colourful coral reef factsheets and a free CD packed with coral reef information. You will also be contributing to a long-term monitoring project!
Previous trips
In 2005, our two survey trips were particularly pertinent, as our January survey came just days after the tsunami of 26 December 2004 hit the Indian Ocean. This survey was followed by a more detailed survey in June and July 2005 which investigated the longer-term impacts of damage from the tsunami. Fortunately. it appears from the MCS surveys that few of the coral reefs in the Maldives were badly affected by the increased surge from the tsunami wave. and fish populations are particularly abundant for the Indian Ocean region.
To download the 2005 survey report go to: http://www.mcsuk.org/downloads/coralreef/Madlives_reef_condition_2005.pdf
To see our contribution to the international report on the status of reefs post tsunami as published by the Australian Institute of Marine Science go to: www.aims.gov.au/pages/research/coral-bleaching/scr-tac2005/index.html and download the report entitled 'Status of Coral Reefs in Tsunami Affected Countries: 2005'. Go to page 111 for information on Maldives reefs.
